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Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana
Family holidays in Botswana

Botswana family safari holidays

Best family safari holidays in Botswana

What was regarded unusual ten years ago, is now becoming more and more popular: at a suitable camp, family safari holidays in Botswana can provide you and your children with an outstanding wildlife experience. Consider booking a private guide to get the most out of your family safari holidays in Botswana!

It is true that a rather exclusive make up, a staid atmosphere and safety issues like game risks, high walkways and unguarded pools still make a lot of camps in Botswana not suitable for family safari holidays. That said, some smaller lodges and (mobile) safari camps are more flexible, e.g. concerning meal times and children's dietary requests, and so cater well to families with children.

Furthermore there are a couple of accommodation options that offer slightly separated family suites or that are booked on an exclusive-use basis.

Whichever option you choose, parents will often need to book a private vehicle and guide if they want to safari together with their children. This may sound like a rather inconvenient requirement - however, it can significantly enhance your family safari experience in Botswana. A private 4WD and your own guide will allow you to set your own schedule and adapt your safari to the age, interests and wishes of your children.

Savute Safari Lodge

With a swimming pool and a large family chalet with 2 ensuite bedrooms Savute Safari Lodge is a great stop on a family safari in Botswana.

Tau Pan Camp

Tau Pan is a good option for families with older children who have a keen interest in nature. Short walks are a great way of learning about the fauna and flora. The camp also offers a ‘family safari’, led by a private guide and tracker.

Machaba Camp

Machaba has two very spacious family tents and is a good option for a family safari in Botswana with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife.

Splash Camp

The exclusive use Splash Enclave has its own private main area including a pool and no age restrictions making it a fantastic option for a family visiting Botswana.


Shinde Camp

A family chalet, specialist family friendly guiding programme and a more relaxed child policy than most of Botswana's safari camps make Shinde a wonderful camp for your family safari to Botswana.

Kanana

With a large family tent, child-friendly meals and no requirement to book and pay for a private vehicle for children under 12 years, Kanana is a good choice on a family safari in Botswana. That said, a private vehicle would offer greater flexibility. Kanana also offers the Young Explorers programme which is a privately guided family focused safari.

Okuti

Okuti is part of the Young Explorers programme, offering families a specialist guide who has experience guiding children in the bush. It is also fenced and takes children aged 7+ making it a great family-friendly safari camp.


Lagoon Camp

For those with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife, Lagoon Camp is a good option for a family holiday in Botswana. As well as having a family chalet, the camp offers a privately guided “family safari”.

Splash Camp

The exclusive use Splash Enclave has its own private main area including a pool and no age restrictions making it a fantastic option for a family visiting Botswana.


Private Mobile

The team behind the Botswana Private Mobile Safari has a lot of experience in family safaris. The owners have a young child of their own and with a minimum age of 6 this is a great option for family safaris.

Kanana

With a large family tent, child-friendly meals and no requirement to book and pay for a private vehicle for children under 12 years, Kanana is a good choice on a family safari in Botswana. That said, a private vehicle would offer greater flexibility. Kanana also offers the Young Explorers programme which is a privately guided family focused safari.


Muchenje Safari Lodge

For a family safari in Botswana, Muchenje is a fantastic option with guides who specialised in guiding children for years. The lodge has a family room with two single beds in a 'loft' area (albeit up a fairly steep stepladder).

Savute Safari Lodge

With a swimming pool and a large family chalet with 2 ensuite bedrooms Savute Safari Lodge is a great stop on a family safari in Botswana.

Pom Pom Camp

With a family chalet, consisting of two interlinked bedrooms with a shared bathroom, Pom Pom Camp is a good option on a family safari to Botswana – ideally with children aged 12 or over.


Muchenje Safari Lodge

For a family safari in Botswana, Muchenje is a fantastic option with guides who specialised in guiding children for years. The lodge has a family room with two single beds in a 'loft' area (albeit up a fairly steep stepladder).

Savute Safari Lodge

With a swimming pool and a large family chalet with 2 ensuite bedrooms Savute Safari Lodge is a great stop on a family safari in Botswana.

Lagoon Camp

For those with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife, Lagoon Camp is a good option for a family holiday in Botswana. As well as having a family chalet, the camp offers a privately guided “family safari”.

Splash Camp

The exclusive use Splash Enclave has its own private main area including a pool and no age restrictions making it a fantastic option for a family visiting Botswana.


Camp Kalahari

Quadbiking across Botwana's Kalahari saltpans and a fascinating Bushman experience make for memorable family safari holidays at Camp Kalahari. Visiting the habituated families of meerkats here is another highlight for children and adults alike.

Linyanti Ebony

Linyanti Ebony’s spacious family room is a good accommodation for Botswana family safari holidays, particularly with slightly older children. Combine this with the ‘Young Explorers’ programme to have a specialist family guide travel with you.


Chitabe Lediba

The family chalets at Chitabe Lediba are two fully functioning standard chalets with their own ensuite bathrooms joined by a short corridor. This coupled with an informal atmosphere make the camp a fantastic option for a family safari in Botswana.

Splash Camp

The exclusive use Splash Enclave has its own private main area including a pool and no age restrictions making it a fantastic option for a family visiting Botswana.


Chitabe Lediba

The family chalets at Chitabe Lediba are two fully functioning standard chalets with their own ensuite bathrooms joined by a short corridor. This coupled with an informal atmosphere make the camp a fantastic option for a family safari in Botswana.

DumaTau

Duma Tau has two family units; each consisting of two en-suite rooms separated by an open deck. It would best suit families on safari in Botswana with children aged over 12; those with younger children have to book a private vehicle.


Machaba Camp

Machaba has two very spacious family tents and is a good option for a family safari in Botswana with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife.

Best camps & lodges for Family holidays in Botswana


Duke’s Camp

Duke’s Camp

As part of a family safari in Botswana, both Duke’s Camp and Duke’s East are good options, each surrounded by a low fence to restrict larger game movement, and both being oases for birds and smaller wildlife. Large family rooms and pools allow for a relaxing experience. Each camp has their own large family suite with is made up of two ensuite bedrooms and an interconnecting lounge area. The family suite at Dukes East has their own private plunge pool and because of the camps small size is ideal for exclusive use.


100% (1 review)
Kanana

Kanana

With a large family tent, child-friendly meals and no requirement to book and pay for a private vehicle for children under 12 years, Kanana is a good choice on a family safari in Botswana. That said, a private vehicle would offer greater flexibility. Kanana also offers the Young Explorers programme which is a privately guided family focused safari.


95% (78 reviews)
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Nxabega Tented Camp

Children are welcome at Nxabega, whose staff are flexible and go out of their way to make your family safari in Botswana enjoyable. Children of six and over are accommodated on game drives at the lodge manager's discretion without the need for a private vehicle.


95% (38 reviews)
Nxai Pan Camp

Nxai Pan Camp

Nxai Pan Camp has a family unit and is a good option for a family safari in Botswana for those with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife. It is also possible to book a private 'family safari', guided by a child-friendly guide and tracker.


91% (33 reviews)
Seba Camp

Seba Camp

In a great location for water-based activities and excellent birding, Seba Camp is a welcoming option for family holidays in Botswana. It has two family tents with a private pool, toys and a sandpit. Guided nature walks for children can be arranged.


90% (6 reviews)
Jao Camp

Jao Camp

For those who want a luxury family holiday Jao can be a wonderful option with a range of flexible activities and a habituated mongoose clan is always a source of entertainment. Families with children aged 6–12 usually need to book a private vehicle.


87% (6 reviews)
Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba

The family chalets at Chitabe Lediba are two fully functioning standard chalets with their own ensuite bathrooms joined by a short corridor. This coupled with an informal atmosphere make the camp a fantastic option for a family safari in Botswana.


97% (87 reviews)
Camp Kalahari

Camp Kalahari

Quadbiking across Botwana's Kalahari saltpans and a fascinating Bushman experience make for memorable family safari holidays at Camp Kalahari. Visiting the habituated families of meerkats here is another highlight for children and adults alike.


94% (58 reviews)
Linyanti Ebony

Linyanti Ebony

Linyanti Ebony’s spacious family room is a good accommodation for Botswana family safari holidays, particularly with slightly older children. Combine this with the ‘Young Explorers’ programme to have a specialist family guide travel with you.


100% (5 reviews)
Okavango Explorers Camp

Okavango Explorers

Children aged 10 and over are welcome on safari with special activities organised through the ‘Young Explorers’ club, and the camp is small enough to be taken over in its entirety by a family of 10-12 for a completely private family safari.


90% (2 reviews)
DumaTau Camp

DumaTau

Duma Tau has two family units; each consisting of two en-suite rooms separated by an open deck. It would best suit families on safari in Botswana with children aged over 12; those with younger children have to book a private vehicle.


95% (52 reviews)
Kalahari Plains Camp

Kalahari Plains Camp

Kalahari Plains Camp has an interconnecting family chalet with a single sleep-out deck, so this is a good option for a family safari in Botswana. Furthermore, the complimentary ‘Bush Buddy’ programme aims to entertain and educate children.


91% (16 reviews)
Tau Pan Camp

Tau Pan Camp

Tau Pan is a good option for families with older children who have a keen interest in nature. Short walks are a great way of learning about the fauna and flora. The camp also offers a ‘family safari’, led by a private guide and tracker.


96% (92 reviews)
Muchenje Safari Lodge

Muchenje Safari Lodge

For a family safari in Botswana, Muchenje is a fantastic option with guides who specialised in guiding children for years. The lodge has a family room with two single beds in a 'loft' area (albeit up a fairly steep stepladder).


96% (172 reviews)
Okuti

Okuti

Okuti is part of the Young Explorers programme, offering families a specialist guide who has experience guiding children in the bush. It is also fenced and takes children aged 7+ making it a great family-friendly safari camp.


95% (21 reviews)
Kings Pool

Kings Pool

King’s Pool has a family suite consisting of two en-suite interleading rooms. It would best suit families on safari in Botswana with children aged over 12; those with younger children have to book a private vehicle.


78% (9 reviews)
Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp

For those with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife, Lagoon Camp is a good option for a family holiday in Botswana. As well as having a family chalet, the camp offers a privately guided “family safari”.


95% (274 reviews)
Shinde Footsteps

Shinde Footsteps

Shinde Footsteps runs exclusive family safaris in Botswana (“Young Explorers”). Youngsters from seven years up can learn bush skills, from identifying animals and their tracks to cooking on a fire and fishing.


98% (49 reviews)
Botswana Private Mobile Safari

Private Mobile

The team behind the Botswana Private Mobile Safari has a lot of experience in family safaris. The owners have a young child of their own and with a minimum age of 6 this is a great option for family safaris.


100% (66 reviews)
Shinde Camp

Shinde Camp

A family chalet, specialist family friendly guiding programme and a more relaxed child policy than most of Botswana's safari camps make Shinde a wonderful camp for your family safari to Botswana.


94% (101 reviews)
Pom Pom Camp

Pom Pom Camp

With a family chalet, consisting of two interlinked bedrooms with a shared bathroom, Pom Pom Camp is a good option on a family safari to Botswana – ideally with children aged 12 or over.


95% (16 reviews)
Splash Camp

Splash Camp

The exclusive use Splash Enclave has its own private main area including a pool and no age restrictions making it a fantastic option for a family visiting Botswana.


96% (83 reviews)
Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba has two very spacious family tents and is a good option for a family safari in Botswana with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife.


92% (36 reviews)
North Island Okavango

North Island Okavango

North Island Okavango is ideal for exclusive use, especially for multi-generational travel with older children, on a Botswana family safari.


No reviews yet
Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge

With a swimming pool and a large family chalet with 2 ensuite bedrooms Savute Safari Lodge is a great stop on a family safari in Botswana.


94% (36 reviews)

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Where to see wildlife species in Botswana

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Lion

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

3,294 sightings from 4,071 observations

Where to see lion in Botswana

Leopard

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

2,120 sightings from 4,513 observations

Where to see leopard in Botswana

Cheetah

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,119 sightings from 3,426 observations

Where to see cheetah in Botswana

Wild dog

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

32% SUCCESS

958 sightings from 3,014 observations

Where to see wild dog in Botswana

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,357 sightings from 4,297 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Botswana

Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

16% SUCCESS

262 sightings from 1,656 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Botswana

Meerkat

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.

21% SUCCESS

92 sightings from 446 observations

Where to see meerkat in Botswana

Elephant

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

3,976 sightings from 4,375 observations

Where to see elephant in Botswana

Buffalo

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,797 sightings from 3,375 observations

Where to see buffalo in Botswana

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,811 sightings from 4,438 observations

Where to see giraffe in Botswana

Hippo

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

89% SUCCESS

2,919 sightings from 3,264 observations

Where to see hippo in Botswana

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

30% SUCCESS

662 sightings from 2,203 observations

Where to see black rhino in Botswana

White Rhino

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

43% SUCCESS

526 sightings from 1,230 observations

Where to see white rhino in Botswana

Oryx

Oryx

Oryx sp.

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

69% SUCCESS

1,422 sightings from 2,057 observations

Where to see oryx in Botswana

Eland

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

48% SUCCESS

1,555 sightings from 3,214 observations

Where to see eland in Botswana

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

24% SUCCESS

539 sightings from 2,230 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Botswana

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

23% SUCCESS

519 sightings from 2,239 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Botswana

Sitatunga

Sitatunga

Tragelaphus spekii

The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.

19% SUCCESS

68 sightings from 367 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Botswana

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

67% SUCCESS

2,674 sightings from 3,984 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Botswana

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

4,175 sightings from 4,963 observations

Where to see zebra in Botswana

Pangolin

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

2% SUCCESS

60 sightings from 3,616 observations

Where to see pangolin in Botswana

Aardvark

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

2% SUCCESS

78 sightings from 3,588 observations

Where to see aardvark in Botswana

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